Comments on: Heaters… in… Space!

By: Bob Edwards

Bob Edwards — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:04:00 +0000

Reading your article on “Precisely how precise?”, I feel being very precise is really important. Best tool I have found is a Wixey digital angle gauge. My wife says I am a perfectionist. An example is doing puzzles on a scrollsaw or bandsaw, the blade needs to be 90 degrees to the table. My coffee drinking buddies call me the Sawdust Maker, til they want something made.
Thanks,
The Sawdust Maker, aka Bob

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:31:11 +0000

Tom -

The oil-filled radiator heaters work well, but make sure they are sized appropriately. I tried using them for my 600 sqft. shop in Maryland. Big mistake. The oil-filled radiator heater was on all the time – it had a built in thermostat, but it never seemed to turn off – and our electricity bill went through the roof. Just an anecdote.

Jonathan

By: Dyami

Dyami — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:48:49 +0000

Tom,
go with the oil filled radiator style. I have two and they work pretty well. I also find them to be very safe.

If Wal-Mart’s still sold out, try Home Depot, Lowes or Amazon.

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:41:38 +0000

For a big combo unit? I’m not gonna be the expert for you, since I’m just chill chasing. However, I would recommend that perhaps now – given the current economy – perhaps contractors might be willing to do a little wheeling and dealing.

I have heard good things about Hot Dawg heaters, though….

By: George

George — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:06:47 +0000

Extremely useful post. Moved from New orleans to Connecticut. I’m cold ALL the Time!

Any brand recommendations and prices for combination radiator/convection heater.

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:54:18 +0000

Al – thanks for offering your take on them. The more I see about those oil-filled ones, the more they seem to make sense for my situation.

Another benefit of the oil ones that someone told me about – The element is heating the oil, not the air directly. Since the oil has a much higher density than air, the oil actually serves as a heat reservoir, releasing its heat more slowly and allowing the element to not have to work as hard to maintain the temperature.

Now, I just have to wait for WalMart to get some more in stock!

By: Al Navas

Al Navas — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:48:51 +0000

Tom,

We have the oil-filled model in the photo – it is terrific as a supplementary source of heat for our computer room. It helps save on fuel, as we don’t have to heat the rest of the first floor of the house beyond 68°F!

— Al Navas